Website for startups: a requirement or an option?
The UK is ranked third in the world by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development for the number of startups created, proving that there’s a huge entrepreneurial spirit in the nation. However, what’s shocking is that 1.98 million SMEs in the nation still don’t have a website even though 90% of households have Internet access. In this century, a business isn’t just about “bricks-and-mortar”. It’s so crucial for your business to have a digital shop window, if you don’t you lose out on many business opportunities with potential customers, investors, suppliers, and even the media. This is the last thing you would want to risk as a startup. Infact, a study reported that 84% consumers believe that small businesses with websites are more credible than ones without an online presence. Still not convinced? Here we explore the key benefits of having a website for startups.
-
Accessibility – all day, every day
Even if your shop front is closed, having a website means that customers can find you anytime, anywhere – whether it be from their bed, on their commute or in their Uber. A professional, user-friendly website makes customers browsing journey more enjoyable so they are likely to expect the same positive experience of your service and product.
-
Market Expansion
Once you’re up and running, you’re no longer a local business. Anyone from around the world will be able to find your company. This allows you to expand your customer base with international clientele. Of course, just having a website isn’t enough to take you global. You need to optimise your website’s SEO with relevant keywords and create fresh content to help your website rank well and to help increase your visibility on search engines.
-
Customer analysis
It’s important to base your business on tangible data points to ensure you’re progressing in the right direction. It can be difficult to analyse your customer base with a physical shop front, however your website can be used as a marketing and analytics tool to provide data about who is visiting your site, the number of visitors on your site, how they found your site, how long they are spending browsing on each page and conversion rates.
-
Increase credibility
81% of shoppers conduct online research before making big purchases. So if you don’t have a website, you might come across as less credible and your potential customers might look elsewhere. On the flipside, when you provide a good service or product, you’re likely to gain word-of-mouth or online reviews – in turn delivering repeat and new business.
If you’re a startup trying to put a stake in the ground, the best way to start is by establishing a digital presence – starting with a professional, eye-catching website. With an array of benefits, you just can’t go wrong with a website for startups!
By Richa Kundnani, Cherish PR